Opportunities Opens Doors: National Women’s Business Council Public Meeting

You are invited to join the National Women’s Business Council for their next public meeting – “United We Thrive: Sustaining Our Momentum in Corporate and Private Arenas,” via web conference. As the current administration comes to a close, we have the opportunity to reflect on the progress that we have made and the path forward.

Women's entrepreneurship has evolved from a 'growing trend' to a vital part of our nation's economy. According to the 2012 U.S. Census' Survey of Business Owners (SBO), 36% of privately-held businesses in the U.S. are owned by women - approximately 10 million firms. These firms generate over $1.4 trillion in sales and employ over 8 million people. Despite the inroads made, there are still significant road blocks.

Access to capital continues to be a challenge; on average, men start their businesses with nearly twice as much capital as women - $135,000 to $75,000. And, fewer than 2 percent of women-owned businesses exceed $1 million in receipts, though many indicate a desire to scale up. Corporate supplier diversity programs, the formal efforts made by corporations to include underrepresented businesses into their supply chains, have been heralded as opportunities for businesses to scale up by securing high-value and sustainable contracts. They will be discussing supplier diversity, in depth, at the Public Meeting!

Entrepreneurs, business-owners, policymakers, researchers and officials are encouraged to tune in to learn about the Council's latest research, receive updates on Council activities, and hear from White House, Congressional and Small Business Administration representatives on major accomplishments and future priorities. WBENC’s President and CEO, Pamela Prince-Eason will be leading one of the panels on the call, be sure to join!